Speak Your Truth

At the end of the day, you have to be able to lay your head down on the pillow and feel good about the things you’ve said, the things you’ve done, and the person that you are.

Life is all about making choices. All day, every day, we are faced with decisions. Should I hit the snooze button or go for a walk? What will I eat for breakfast? Should I participate in the office drama or keep my head down? Will I use my free-time to work on my novel or watch television? And on and on it goes, every moment is a new opportunity to make a choice.

One of the most important choices that we have to make is what we will stand for and what we will stand against. This is tricky because sometimes standing for or against anything can be difficult and even controversial. However, it’s really important that we do it anyway. For a long time, I was afraid to speak out on issues that I felt strongly about. I was afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or rejected. But there came a time in my life when I decided that it was important to put my fears aside and speak my truth.

Some of the issues that I feel strongly about are mental illness; conservation; gay marriage; and animal rights. These are examples of topics that can be controversial. I have had disagreements on these issues. And yes, it can be uncomfortable. But it’s incredibly important, too.

I don’t like to argue. I avoid talking politics. But when the time is right, I always say what is in my heart. Sometimes I am afraid. Sometimes my voice shakes. But I know that at the end of the day, I have to lay my head down on the pillow and feel good about me.

Today I encourage you to think long and hard about the issues that matter to you. Know where you stand. When the time comes, don’t be afraid to speak your truth.

3 thoughts on “Speak Your Truth”

You’re right about how and when we should speak the truth, we don’t have to go out in the streets with a bullhorn to express our opinions, but, when asked, we should feel no qualms about saying what we believe in. I believe in peace, I believe in conservation, I believe in treating people the right way and I believe that we should live and let live; we don’t need to impose our thoughts and beliefs on others. I try to see the good in people and sometimes I am disappointed, but, not believing in the basic good in people is too depressing to consider. So, I am optimistic we will somehow achieve peace, fairness, goodwill and find a way to help others help themselves.

Dena, I really love this post. I think it rings true for a number of interactions that I have had, including WITH you! This message is so important, and one day when you are a teacher, I hope that you can convey this to your students.